In a bizarre incident, the Anne Arundel County Animal Control office reported that a cat in the Davidsonville area was apparently shot with a bow and arrow on Wednesday, June 12, 2013, according to The Baltimore Sun. The cat, Xena, survived and continues to make progress at a local animal rescue facility.

According to animal control officers, a resident in the 3000 block of Riva Road, discovered that the cat had been shot through the left shoulder with a two-foot long arrow. The citizen unsuccessfully attempted to catch Xena, and called the Animal Control office. Animal Control officers were finally able to trap the cat two days later. After time in the Belair Veterinary Hospital, Xena was moved to the Rude Ranch Animal Rescue facility, where she continues to recuperate.

What is Animal Abuse and Neglect?

Under Maryland law, a person may not: (1) overdrive or overload an animal; (2) deprive an animal of necessary sustenance; (3) inflict unnecessary suffering or pain on an animal; (4) cause, procure, or authorize an act prohibited under item (1), (2), or (3); or (5) if the person has charge or custody of an animal, as owner or otherwise, unnecessarily fail to provide the animal with nutritious food in sufficient quantity, necessary veterinary care, proper drink, air, space, shelter, or protection from the weather.

The crime is a misdemeanor, and the penalty is imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

What is Animal Cruelty?

Under Maryland law, a person may not: (1) intentionally mutilate, torture, cruelly beat, or cruelly kill an animal; (2) cause, procure, or authorize an act prohibited under item (1); or (3) except in the case of self-defense, intentionally inflict bodily harm, permanent disability, or death on an animal owned or used by a law enforcement unit.

Animal cruelty is a felony, and on conviction a person is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.

Top-Rated Howard County, MD, Criminal Defense Attorney

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has an unparalleled reputation with clients and within the legal community. He handles all types of criminal charges, including allegations of animal abuse, animal neglect, and animal cruelty.

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results — has earned him the recognition of his peers and clients:

These are the highest ratings possible for legal skill, ethical practice, a lawyer’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition.

Ellicott City, Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you face criminal charges of any kind, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith will fight hard to protect your constitutional rights. Contact our firm online or call our office at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

On Friday, June 14, 2013, Howard County police set up a sobriety checkpoint on westbound Route 40 and Governors Run Way in Ellicott City. The sobriety checkpoint, which started late in the evening, extended into early Saturday morning, resulted in 12 arrests, reported The Baltimore Sun.

Police say 998 drivers came through the sobriety checkpoint, and that six were arrested for DUI, or driving under the influence of alcohol. Three more drivers were taken into custody for drug offenses, and three motorists were detained for driving with suspended license.

DUI Check Points Funded by Grants

The DUI sobriety checkpoint, manned by Howard County police and Maryland State troopers, is part of the Checkpoint Strikeforce Campaign, a program funded in part by a grant from the Maryland Highway Safety Office. DUI Sobriety check points, though not legal in some states, have been upheld in Maryland as consistent with the state constitution and the U.S. Constitution, provided they comply with detailed constitutional requirements.

Top-Rated Drunk Driving Lawyer in Howard County, MD

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results, including DUI cases— has earned him the recognition of his peers and clients:

These are the highest ratings possible for legal skill, ethical practice, a lawyer’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition.

Columbia, Maryland Drunk Driving Defense Attorney

When you need top-rated criminal defense lawyer to fight a DUI charge, including one resulting from a DUI sobriety checkpoint, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith will aggressively fight hard to protect your constitutional rights. Contact our firm online or call our office at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County, Maryland.

Anne Arundel County police were called to the Garden Inn Hotel, in Laurel, at approximately 1 a.m. on Tuesday, June 18, in response to an alleged robbery, reported the Maryland Gazette. Police say that the victim reported that he was talking with a friend on the second floor of the hotel, located in the 3400 block of Route 198, when a black male in his late 20’s approached him, flashed a knife, and asked for money.

When the robbery victim told the assailant that he had no money, the suspect searched him and took his wallet, fleeing on foot. Police officers brought in a K-9 unit and searched the area, but could not locate the robbery suspect. Police report that the perpetrator was approximately 6’0” tall, clean shaven with a stocky build, and was wearing a black t-shirt, black pants and a black stocking cap.

Highly Rated Criminal Defense Attorney in Columbia, Maryland

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than 30 years of trial experience to people facing robbery and other criminal charges in Maryland. He takes a comprehensive approach to criminal defense, carefully examining the facts and circumstances of your case, confirming that police followed proper procedures, and that your constitutional rights were not violated.

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results, including robbery cases — has earned him the recognition of his peers and clients:

These are the highest ratings possible for legal skill, ethical practice, a lawyer’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition.

Howard County, MD, Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are under investigation or have been arrested and charged with robbery or another crime, we can help. We defend people in Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Prostitution arrests on June 24 resulted in prostitution charges being filed against four women by Howard County Police, according to The Baltimore Sun. Police detectives used the website Backpage.com to locate and contact women offering services.

Howard County Police arranged for the women to meet undercover officers at a local hotel. Prostitution arrests occurred when women allegedly offered to exchange sex for money. All four women were listed as having out-of-state addresses.

Howard County Prostitution Arrests

Howard County police regularly conduct sting operations that result in prostitution arrests. However, police usually use undercover female police officers and arrest men on solicitation of prostitution charges. Recent such sting operations occurred on May 29, 2013, April 25, 2013, and September 20, 2012.

Top Rated Prostitution Defense Attorney Howard County MD

Jonathan Scott Smith is a former prosecutor and criminal lawyer. Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results, including cases involving prostitution arrests — has earned him the recognition of his peers and clients:

Burglary of Howard County Home Alleged
Burglary charges were filed against two men on Thursday, March 14, 2013, alleging that they committed a burglary of an Ellicott City home located in the 3700 block of Ligon Drive, reported The Baltimore Sun.

Christopher Michael Kelly of Columbia, and Luther Danny Davidson of West Friendship, were arrested by Howard County Police and charged with burglary, after the car they occupied was seen in the driveway of an Ellicott City home. A police search discovered evidence of the burglary, including stolen items, burglary tools, and a handgun.

What is Burglary in the First Degree in Maryland?

Under Maryland law, a person may not break and enter the dwelling of another with the intent to commit theft or a crime of violence. This is the definition of first degree burglary. The penalty for first degree burglary is imprisonment not exceeding 20 years.

What is Second Degree Burglary in Maryland?

There are two different violations that constitute second degree burglary. First, a person may not break and enter the storehouse of another with the intent to commit theft, a crime of violence, or arson in the second degree. If he does, he is guilty of a felony and the penalty is imprisonment not exceeding 15 years. Second, a person may not break and enter the storehouse of another with the intent to steal, take, or carry away a firearm. This also is a felony, and the penalty is imprisonment not exceeding 20 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both.

Highly Rated Criminal Defense Attorney Howard County, MD

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than three decades of trial experience to criminal defendants in and around Howard County, Maryland. He has built an outstanding reputation with clients and colleagues. Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results — has earned him the recognition of his peers and clients:

If you are under investigation for burglary, or have been arrested and charged with burglary charges, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith will fight for you and aggressively protect your constitutional rights.

Contact Us

Call our office at 410-740-0101, or contact us online, to schedule an appointment. We represent people accused of burglary and other crimes throughout Maryland, including Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County.

Charges for Assault Filed Against Police Officer
Second degree assault charges were filed against a Howard County Police Officer after a county grand jury returned an indictment this past week, reported The Baltimore Sun. The assault charges arise out of an incident on March 18 when the officer was off duty. Further details regarding the incident were not given.

Assault Charges: Definition of Assault

Assault charges can be filed where someone threatens or harms another person.

Assault in the second degree happens when one person physically injures another. The injuries can be minor or cause physical injury, but not serious or permanent injury.

Second-degree assault also includes causing a reasonable person to fear imminent physical harm. This means that even if you did not physically touch another person but you caused them to have a reasonable fear of being hurt by you, you could potentially be charged with assault.

Top Rated Howard County Criminal Lawyer

Jonathan Scott Smith is a former prosecutor and highly rated Howard County criminal lawyer with extensive experience in cases involving assault charges. Mr. Smith’s trial experience — and track record of successful results — has earned him the recognition of his peers and clients:

These are the highest ratings possible for legal skill, ethical practice, a lawyer’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition.

Criminal Defense Lawyer Columbia, MD and Ellicott City, MD

Attorney Smith has built his strong reputation on a commitment to personal service and attention, taking the time to listen carefully to your concerns and to tailor his efforts to fight for the outcome you want. He handles all types of criminal matters, including first degree assault, second degree assault, other assault charges, and homicide charges.

We represent people charged with a crime in Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County, Maryland. Call our office at 410-740-0101, or contact us online, to schedule an appointment.

Assault Arises from Traffic Dispute
Baltimore County Police asked for the public’s help in apprehending a suspect wanted for first degree assault. The 39-year-old victim and his father were pulling into their driveway when a vehicle blocked their path. The victim got out of his car and confronted the other driver.

The victim and the suspect got into an argument, and the suspect tried to pull the victim into the vehicle. The suspect hit the victim in the chest multiple times, and then drove away. The victim then realized he had been stabbed. He was treated at Shock Trauma for his injuries.

Top Rated Howard County Criminal Lawyer

Jonathan Scott Smith is a former prosecutor and highly rated Howard County criminal lawyer with extensive experience in assault cases. Mr. Smith’s trial experience — and track record of successful results — has earned him the recognition of his peers and clients:

These are the highest ratings possible for legal skill, ethical practice, a lawyer’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition.

Criminal Defense Lawyer Columbia, MD and Ellicott City, MD

Attorney Smith has built his strong reputation on a commitment to personal service and attention, taking the time to listen carefully to your concerns and to tailor his efforts to fight for the outcome you want. He handles all types of criminal matters, including first degree assault, second degree assault, other assault, firearms violations and assault/homicide charges.

Contact Us Now

When you face criminal charges, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith will aggressively fight for your constitutional rights. Call our office at 410-740-0101, or contact us online, to schedule an appointment.

We represent people charged with a crime in Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County, Maryland.

Prostitution Arrests Net 18 in North Laurel
A prostitution sting operation by Howard County Police resulted in prostitution arrests of 18 men, reported The Baltimore Sun. Detectives and undercover female police officers conducted the operation on Wednesday, May 29, 2013, along Washington Boulevard in North Laurel.

Howard County Prostitution Arrests

The prostitution arrests are the second sting operation conducted by Howard County Police this year. In April, 11 men were arrested in a similar police procedure.

Driving with Suspended License is Serious
In Maryland, a driver’s license can be suspended for many reasons. Often it is caused by a mistake, or an oversight, but it can lead to serious consequences. Some of the reasons the Maryland MVA will suspend a driver’s license:

Failing to pay a traffic ticket.

Failing to pay a fine after appearing in traffic court.

Failing to appear in court for a traffic ticket.

Moving to a new address and not notifying the MVA, and then not receiving a notice to appear in court for a traffic ticket.

Receiving too many points (MVA can suspend a driver’s license for an accumulation of 8 points or more).

Being convicted of DWI/DUI, driving under the influence, or driving while impaired.

Many people charged with driving with suspended licence in Maryland are not criminals; they make a mistake, or fail to take care of a traffic ticket through an oversight.

What are the Penalties for Driving With Suspended License?

The penalties for driving with suspended license in Maryland are serious. They range from 2 months in jail, a $500.00 fine, or both, to one year in jail, a $1,000.00 fine, or both — depending upon the reason the license was suspended. Also, a conviction can range from 3 points to 12 points — enough to revoke your driver’s license.

Top Rated Traffic Ticket Lawyer Howard County MD

Jonathan Scott Smith is a top rated traffic ticket lawyer and former prosecutor with more than 30 years of criminal law experience. He has represented many clients in Howard County, including Ellicott City and Columbia, Maryland, who have been charged with driving with suspended licence. Mr. Smith is a former prosecutor and experienced traffic ticket attorney who has handled many driving with suspended license cases.

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results — has earned him the recognition of his peers and clients:

These are the highest ratings possible for legal skill, ethical practice, a lawyer’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition.

Howard County Traffic Ticket Defense Attorney

We handle defense of driving with suspended license charges, and traffic tickets for individuals throughout the Baltimore and Washington metro areas. We will fully investigate the facts and evidence related to your citation, and fight hard for you.

Contact Our Office

If you need a lawyer for traffic tickets, including driving with suspended license, contact us by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101. Put an experienced Maryland traffic violations defense lawyer to work for you. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

Burglary Cases in Ellicott City Cause Police to Detain Suspect
Burglary charges were filed against 23-year-old Cornelius Antonio McRae, a Baltimore resident, in January, reported The Baltimore Sun. Howard County police arrested and charged McRae with multiple counts of burglary, assault and theft. Police identified him as a burglary suspect through records obtained from pawn shops in the area.

Howard County Police believe that most of the thefts occurred while the victims were sleeping and that McRae entered the homes through unlocked doors. The items stolen in the various burglaries, mostly occurring in December, 2012, were similar — credit cards, money, wallets, purses and electronic devices, including laptops.

Burglary Charges Filed Against Baltimore Man

Once police considered McRae a burglary suspect, they learned through the course of their investigation that he had been seen driving a stolen 2013 Honda. On-duty officers observed the unoccupied Honda in Columbia on January 6, near the location of a burglary that had just occurred. As they watched the vehicle, McRae walked up to it with a stolen purse in hand. Police approached McRae and he fled. Officers located him in a nearby dumpster with stolen items in his possession.

McRae has been charged with four counts of first-degree burglary, third-degree burglary and fourth-degree burglary, as well as theft and second-degree assault (he resisted arrest and injured a police officer in the process). He is currently being held on $300,000 bond in Howard County.

Burglary Statistics

FBI statistics reveal that there are approximately 2.1 million burglaries in the United States annually. About 75% of those are residential burglaries. Burglaries account for one quarter of all property crimes. There were 1,393 burglaries in Howard County in 2010, according to the Howard County Police Department.

What is Burglary in the First Degree in Maryland?

Under Maryland law, a person may not break and enter the dwelling of another with the intent to commit theft or a crime of violence. This is the definition of first degree burglary. The penalty for first degree burglary is imprisonment not exceeding 20 years.

What is Second Degree Burglary in Maryland?

There are two different violations that constitute second degree burglary. First, a person may not break and enter the storehouse of another with the intent to commit theft, a crime of violence, or arson in the second degree. If he does, he is guilty of a felony and the penalty is imprisonment not exceeding 15 years. Second, a person may not break and enter the storehouse of another with the intent to steal, take, or carry away a firearm. This also is a felony, and the penalty is imprisonment not exceeding 20 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both.

Highly Rated Criminal Defense Attorney in Maryland

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than three decades of trial experience to criminal defendants in and around Howard County, Maryland. He has built an outstanding reputation with clients and colleagues. Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results — has earned him the recognition of his peers and clients:

“Client’s Choice Award” by AVVO, based on average client reviews of 5 stars — the highest client review possible.

2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.

These are the highest ratings possible for legal skill, ethical practice, a lawyer’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition.

Attorney Smith handles a wide range of criminal matters including theft offenses, such as burglary, robbery and possession of stolen property.

Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County, MD

If you are under investigation or have been arrested and charged with a crime, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith will aggressively protect your constitutional rights. Call our office at 410-740-0101, or contact us online, to schedule an appointment. We represent people accused of burglary and other crimes throughout Maryland, including Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County.